Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites Research Articles

Microwave-assisted fabrication of high-strength natural fiber hybrid composites for sustainable applications: An experimental and computational study

The present study deals with the fabrication of hybrid composites using biodegradable and ecologically friendly natural fibers and a recyclable thermoplastic matrix. Pure and hybrid natural fiber composites of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with Kenaf and Ramie fiber, 20 wt%, were fabricated using microwave-assisted compression molding. The composite's mechanical characterization was performed using tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests. X-ray diffraction was done to investigate the crystallinity percentage, and scanning electron microscopy of fractured surfaces was performed to determine failure mechanisms. The hybrid composite of HDPE/Ramie and Kenaf exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) at 29.3 ± 1.2 MPa, surpassing HDPE/Kenaf (21.6 ± 1.1 MPa) and HDPE/Ramie (24.3 ± 1.4 MPa) composites. In terms of flexural strength, HDPE/Ramie demonstrated the highest at 19.9 ± 1.5 MPa, while HDPE/Kenaf had the lowest at 18 ± 1.1 MPa. The hybrid composite's flexural strength was intermediate at 19 ± 1.3 MPa. Impact strength followed a similar trend, with the hybrid composite leading at 40.2 KJ/m2, followed by HDPE/Ramie (26.9 KJ/m2) and HDPE/Kenaf (12.3 KJ/m2). Hardness tests revealed the highest hardness in the hybrid composite and the lowest in HDPE/Kenaf. A computational study has been performed to develop a model for predicting the hybrid composites. A strong agreement between both studies has been observed. The developed composite is deemed suitable for various light-duty applications, such as roofing, car interior panels, and mobile covers, offering potential benefits in reducing carbon footprint.

Development of lightweight and high-strength glass fiber and natural fiber hybrid composites using VARTM technique

This research paper presents the synthesis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) and Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites (NFHC) utilizing Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) techniques. Jute and flax fibers were strategically selected for their unique properties and potential synergistic effects when combined with glass fibers. The study systematically evaluates the influence of natural fiber incorporation on the mechanical performance of the composites, focusing on critical factors such as fiber type, orientation, and resin selection. A series of meticulously crafted laminate configurations were employed. These included combinations of glass and jute fibers (GJG, GJGJG), glass and flax fibers (GFG, GFGFG), and a reference laminate composed solely of glass fibers (GGGGG). The mechanical characterization involved rigorous Izod impact testing, hardness assessments, and water absorption tests to provide a detailed understanding of behavior of composite material. The results reveal that the incorporation of jute fibers resulted in a significant enhancement of impact resistance of up to 59 % compared to GFG laminates and hardness. Water absorption varied across the laminates, with GGGGG exhibiting the lowest value of 0.054 %. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to gain valuable insights into the critical fiber-matrix interaction and microstructure of the composites, further elucidating the observed mechanical properties. These findings pave the way for lightweight, high-strength composites ideal for engineering applications, particularly automotive mono leaf springs. The resulting weight reduction promises significant gains in fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, advancing sustainable materials with exceptional mechanics.

Development of hybrid green composites by dual natural fibers (jute/bamboo) reinforcement and investigation of their mechanical behavior

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of natural fiber hybrid composites, specifically those based on jute and bamboo fibers. Jute fibers made in the form of highly scattered mesh and fine‐meshed bamboo mat were selected as reinforcing materials. The highly scattered meshed jute fabric composite showed poor mechanical properties owing to resin agglomeration, leading to the brittle fracture of the composite before elongation. In contrast, the randomly oriented fine‐meshed bamboo fabric performed better in terms of both mechanical properties and strain energy absorption under the same loading conditions. Hybridization with fine bamboo mesh fibers can be a solution to improve the mechanical properties of jute fabric composites. The tensile, flexural, and in‐plane shear properties of the composites are investigated in our study. We found that hybridizing a fine‐meshed bamboo mat with jute fabric resulted in an improved mechanical performance of the composite. Composite panels have been manufactured using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Experimental and numerical methods have been used to investigate the flexural behavior. Of the stacking sequences considered, the (J/B4/J) stacking showed the highest flexural strength (141.1 Mpa) and the (B2/J2/B2) 2/2 stacking sequence showed the minimum flexural strength. The alternating stacking sequence (B/J/B/J/B/J) exhibited intermediate properties. The randomly oriented bamboo fabric near the neutral axis enhanced the properties of the hybridized composite. This was verified numerically using the ANSYS ACP software.Highlights Mechanical behavior of Hybrid composite of two natural fibers was investigated. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding was used to manufacture composite panels. Tensile, in plane shear, 3 point flexural tests and SEM micro analysis were done. FEA was used to validate and compare the experimental and numerical results. Resin agglomeration was improved by fibers with better resin impregnation property.

Synthesis of glass FRP-natural fiber hybrid composites (NFHC) and its mechanical characterization

This research paper presents the synthesis of Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (Glass-FRP) and Natural Fiber-Hybrid Composites (NFHC) using Hand Lay-up techniques. The aim of the this research is on assessing mechanical characteristics of composites made from different natural fibers, including jute, flax, coir, and hair fibers. The study sought to evaluate the influence of natural fiber addition on mechanical characteristics of the composite material and to emphasize the significance of altering fiber type, orientation, resin type, and curing conditions to optimize composite characteristics for particular applications. The mechanical characteristics of these composites were evaluated using tensile and flexural testing. This study significantly enhances the mechanical properties of Glass-FRP composites by incorporating Jute fibers, showcasing a superior tensile strength of 71.29 MPa and the highest flexural strength of 67.73 MPa. The investigation showed that the combination of natural and glass fibers may produce a lightweight, highly-strengthen composite material with enhanced mechanical characteristics that can be employed in a wide range of technical applications.

Mechanical characterization of novel Parthenium hysterophorus and Jute reinforced polymer matrix composites for light weight medium load applications and application of MADM-VIKOR approach

This study explores the use of natural fibers in composite materials to enhance mechanical properties and reduce water absorption for lightweight medium load applications. The approach involves hybridizing Parthenium hysterophorus (PH) and Jute with epoxy L-12 matrix in different stacking sequences to create four tri-layer composites. Mechanical tests following ASTM standards revealed that composites with Jute fibers on top and PH fibers in the middle exhibit superior mechanical performance and reduced water absorption, making them suitable for such applications. The tensile strength of composite (CP4) with PH fiber at center and Jute fibers at extreme was found to be 1.7 times higher compared to composite with all three layers of PH fiber (CP1). Similarly, the flexural strength and compressive strength of CP4 is found to be 60% and 80.5% more compared to CP1. Shore D hardness of CP4 is found to be 1.29 times better compared to CP1. Whereas the energy absorption due to impact load of CP1 is better compared to its counter parts wit CP1 exhibiting 71.15 times better compared to CP4. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of fractured surfaces provides insights into fiber bonding and fracture mechanisms. Overall, this research underscores the potential of natural fiber hybrid composites for improved mechanical characteristics and water resistance in various applications, highlighting specific fiber combinations and stacking sequences.

Mechanical properties of ramie/flax hybrid natural fiber composites under different conditions

Mechanical properties of ramie/flax hybrid natural fiber composites under different conditions

Investigation of Mechanical and Morphological analysis of natural fiber hybrid composites

Investigation of Mechanical and Morphological analysis of natural fiber hybrid composites

Numerical and Experimental Analyses of Hybrid Composites Made from Amazonian Natural Fibers

The application of lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcements in composite materials has found increasing use in recent years, due to the attractive characteristics of natural fibers such as their low cost, high specific modulus, biodegradability, abundance and with many technical qualities. Natural fiber hybrid composites are very frequently used in automotive aerospace and other industries. In this work, numerical and experimental analysis is carried out to compare curauá, jute and sisal fibers in epoxy composites for use in industry. The most appropriate hybridization effect by establishing the amounts of each fiber on the mechanical properties was considered. Finite Element Models were designed and validated through mechanical tests. The number of Finite Element models and specimens performed was determined through the design of experiments using the Taguchi Method and then the results were statistically validated. Higher strength was obtained in composites made with curauá fiber, followed by jute and sisal fibers. Such behavior was achieved by FEM and experimental tests, revealing an increase in tensile strength by increasing the amount of fibers up to 35% in total. Higher strength was achieved when the composite was made with curauá (20 wt.%), jute (10 wt.%) and sisal (5 wt.%) fibers. The results show a good agreement between the FEM and the experimental tests. Furthermore, the results of the present study were compared with those obtained previously mentioned in the open literature.

Investigations on tribological behavior of natural fiber hybrid composites for brake friction

Asbestos and non-asbestos are typically the two main materials used in manufacturing of brake friction linings. Brake pads made with asbestos cause health issues during service and difficult to degrade. This research is done in order to develop an environmentally friendly composite brake friction material. Hybrid composite of jute, coir, and glass fibre with vinyl ester resin are used in manufacturing of the composite. This research, initially focus on the study measures of the brake pads shear strength and wear rate as well as the alternative composite material to identify wear rate of natural fiber composites and their coefficient of friction in that area. The amount of wear and the composite thickness can be results in the effectiveness of the composite material and its application for the brake friction.

Influence of AWJM parameters on surface quality of BSHC

ABSTRACT Natural fiber hybrid composites are replacing synthetic fiber composites, which improves environmental cleanliness. In this investigation, a compression molding process was used to produce a Banana/Sisal Hybrid Composite (BSHC) and the influence of Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) process parameters on surface quality was studied. The AWJM experiments were conducted using the design of experiment techniques, with parameters such as water pressure (P), nozzle transfer speed (d), and standoff distance (s). During the AWJM process, P was identified as the most significant parameter influencing surface quality. The optimum machining parameters (P3, d1, s1) provide better surface quality which produces a surface roughness of 10.1 μm. The experimental surface roughness values have a better correlation with the predicted surface roughness which shows the efficiency of the prediction model.

Investigation and optimization of wear properties of flax fiber reinforced Delrin polymer composite

Nowadays, the significance of natural fiber hybrid composites shows increasing trend in the automobile industry. New high-performance polymer materials can be produced from natural fibers which are inexpensive, renewable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. Because of renewability, natural fibers can be an alternative source to synthetic fibers as a reinforcing agent. This research work looks at flax fiber natural composite material reinforced with matrix material. For a wide range of applications, delrin offers viable replacements for metal composites. In the present work, composites were prepared by injection molding and investigated. The composite constituents were chopped natural flax fiber as reinforcement (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and delrin as the matrix (95%, 90%, 85% and 80%). Pin-on-disc (POD) wear tests were conducted to reveal wear strength of the composite under various POD parameters, optimization is done through the hybrid grey relational and principal component analysis approach. The results showed that composite material (Flax+Delrin) shows improved wear strength compared to the non-reinforced material.

Study of the Effects of Alkali Treatment and Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Properties of Enset/Sisal Polymer Hybrid Composite

In the manufacturing process of innovative fiber-based composite materials, natural fibers are among the most commonly employed reinforcements. In this study, Enset/Sisal (E/S) fiber with a polyester matrix was used to develop the hybrid composites. Hand layup methods were employed for the sample preparation from untreated, 5%, and 10% alkali-treated unidirectional and woven fiber orientations having 50:50 volume ratios. The mechanical properties and water absorption of natural fiber hybrid composites were influenced by fiber treatment and orientation. In the present investigation, the result shows that treated and woven fiber orientation hybrid composites exhibit better mechanical properties than untreated and unidirectional E/S hybrid composites. The 5% NaOH-treated samples have higher tensile and flexural strength properties than the untreated and 10% alkali-treated composites, while the 5% NaOH-treated fiber composites have lower water absorption properties. The tensile and flexural strengths and impacts of 5% NaOH-treated composites were improved by 5.21%, 9.25%, and 5.98%, respectively, over untreated E/S hybrid composites. The morphological properties of the fracture surface of the composite were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Image Computation Algorithm for Determination of Microstructural Properties of Rice Husk-Sisal-Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composite

In the current work, the morphological and mechanical features of a hybrid epoxy matrix composite created by hand layup and reinforced with fibers from rice husk, sisal, and kenaf are predicted by using Watershed segmentation algorithm. To forecast the effect of coating composition on physical performance of a composite, Tensile and hardness tests were used to define the resulting hybrid composites' mechanical characteristics. The objective of the empirical investigation presented in this work is to understand the mechanical behavior of hybrid natural fiber composites. The production of rose husk-sisal-kenaf-epoxy hybrid samples is done by hand layup, with the planned plies being alternately stacked and the weight of the matrix and fibers being kept between 40% and 60%. Samples are sliced from a laminate that has been manufactured in accordance with ASTM specifications in order to undertake various experiments. Dog bone and flat bar shapes were used to cut specimens for tensile test & flexural test. Tensile strength and flexural strength were measured following execution of experiment under UTM and contrasted with base values of used epoxy polymer to identify constant change in strength.

Influence of abrasive water jet and conventional drilling on the fatigue performance of hybrid carbon/flax laminates

Most of the research on hybrid natural fiber composites has been focused on non-structural applications. The aim of this research is to improve the understanding of how to use hybrid natural fiber composites for structural applications, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries. The joining of subassemblies with rivets, bolts, or screws is a prominent feature in these industries, which implies that the presence of holes in the structural members is unavoidable. The study of the effect of holes on the mechanical behavior of these members is therefore imperative, especially given that holes are stress risers. An important factor in the design of open-hole hybrid flax composites is their fatigue behavior under cyclic loading because it accounts for most failures in composite structures. The investigation of this behavior is reported in this study where three types of 16-ply symmetric hybrid composites that were manufactured using woven carbon (C) and unidirectional flax (F), namely, unidirectional (CF[0]), cross-ply (CF[0/90]) and angle-ply (CF[[Formula: see text] 45]) are employed. A circular hole was made in the center of each specimen using either an abrasive water jet or conventional drilling methods. The observed machining-induced critical defect was delamination, which manifested in three forms: peel-up, push-out, and secondary. Stepwise fatigue tests were conducted to determine the damage evolution and high-cycle fatigue strength of each layup. The damage evolution of the material was assessed via stiffness damage, thermographic methods, and dissipated energy per cycle. It was observed that CF[0] layups are unaffected by the machining process and they have an identical high-cycle fatigue strength. For the CF[0/90] and CF[[Formula: see text] 45] layups, conventional drilling specimens have a higher high-cycle fatigue strength than their abrasive water jet counterparts.

Investigation of Mechanical Characterisation and Thermal Performance of Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Applications

Investigation of Mechanical Characterisation and Thermal Performance of Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Applications

Effect of Natural Filler on Natural Fibre Hybrid Composite

The natural filler material is reinforced along with natural fibers in the composite to improve the quality and property of the component materials based on the requirements and its applications. In this paper, the hybrid composite was developed with Hemp/ Basalt fiber. Various wt% (15%,20%,25%) of Hemp fiber and filler materials were used as reinforcement. The Hemp fiber was surface treated with 5% of KMnO4. The developed hybrid natural fiber composites were performed with various mechanical properties studies like tensile, bending, impact, and Brinell hardness all these tests were performed as per ASTM standards. From the mechanical property study, 25 wt% Hemp fiber hybrid composite hold good mechanical properties compared to all other wt% developed hybrid composite.

Investigation of Hemp and Flax Fiber-Reinforced EcoPoxy Matrix Biocomposites: Morphological, Mechanical, and Hydrophilic Properties

Modern day industries are highly focused on the development of bio-inspired hybrid natural fiber composites for lightweight biosensor chips, automobile, and microfluidic applications. In the present research, the mechanical properties and morphological characteristics of alkaline (NaOH)-treated hemp, flax, noil hemp, and noil flax fiber-reinforced ecopoxy biocomposites were investigated. The samples were fabricated by employing the hand layup technique followed by the compression molding process. A total of two sets of composites with various weight fractions were fabricated. The samples were tested for mechanical properties such as flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength, moisture absorption, and contact angle measurement. The treated fibers were analyzed by using an optical microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The morphological characteristics, such as porosity and fracture mechanisms, were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and SEM-EDX spectroscopy. The results revealed that the flexural properties of hybrid composites vary from 22.62 MPa to 30.04 MPa for hemp and flax fibers and 21.86 MPa to 24.70 MPa for noil fibers, whereas in individual fiber composites, the strength varies from 17.11 MPa to 21.54 MPa for hemp and flax fibers and 15.83 MPa to 18.79 MPa for noil fibers. A similar trend was observed in interlaminar shear properties in both cases. From moisture analysis, the rate of absorption is increased with time up to 144 h and remains constant in both cases. The moisture gain was observed more in individual composites than hybrid composites in both cases. Hence, the impact of hybridization was observed clearly in both cases. Also, hybrid composites showed improved properties compared to individual fiber composites.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Randomly Oriented Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites for Exterior Applications

Researchers are envisaging in the replacement of the metal and its alloys with natural materials for its superior availability and inferior cost. Although the natural fibers are available in abundant, the issue is their strength and thermal property which are considerably lower than conventional materials. This inferior property lieu put aside of using it for many applications. In order to overcome that the natural materials are hybridized to obtain the combined properties of individual materials. In the current work, natural fibers like hemp, banana and bamboo fibers were reinforced in epoxy resin and their mechanical and water absorption properties were evaluated. Main application considered now are in external casing for many devices like motors, generators and so on wherein the material should capable to work with the moisture along with mechanical strength. The material is developed specifically for this external application with relevant test like absorption of moisture and mechanical tests. It could be noted from the results that a tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and inter-laminar shear strength of 35.51 MPa, 96.99 MPa, 4.86 J and 3.6 MPa respectively has been obtained for sample with 30 % hemp fibers. Alongside, minimum voids and water absorption were obtained for the same composite configuration. These test reveals that these variants could effectively replaces the external metal casing in harsh environment

Influence of rice husk fillers on mechanical properties of banana/epoxy natural fiber hybrid composites

Increasing environmental pollution, climate change, and the use of non-biodegradable or renewable resources have become major concerns for researchers in the modern industrialized world. It isbelievedthat if we are to build a sustainable future, we must address these issues while also protecting the capabilities of theforthcoming generations to achieve their own requirements. Compared to synthetic reinforcing fiber natural fiber has different advantages such as harmlessness, low densities, lower processing costs, and similar comparable strength. In this experiment banana fiber reinforced with the epoxy and rice husk bio filler hybrid composites were made and the Mechanical properties of for these hybrid composites were characterized. Different volume fractions of fiber with various composite samples were made by using the traditional hand layup method and pressure applied at moderate temperature. All the hybrid samples were tested under tensile, flexural, and impact loading, the interfaces of fiber matrix were evaluated and the fractured surface structures were analyzed using a Scanning electron microscope (SEM). From the results, it was observed that the composite samples with 30 % banana fibers and 10 % rice husk exhibited better mechanical properties when compared with the other composite compositions.

Mechanical and thermo‐physical properties of Cascabela thevetia–Calotropis gigantean fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites

AbstractThe present work reports the mechanical, thermo‐physical and water absorption properties of Cascabela thevetia (CT)–Calotropis gigantean (CG)/epoxy natural fiber hybrid composites. Using a standard hand lay‐up method the hybrid natural fiber composites was fabricated from CT and CG fibers with different fiber loading (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) and with different weight ratio of CT and CG fibers (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1). Physical property (density), various mechanical properties (tensile, young's modulus, flexural and impact strength), thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity) and water absorption properties were evaluated. It was observed that composites with CT:CG = 3:1 fiber loading reveals highest mechanical properties as compared to 1:1 and 1:3 fiber loading ratio. Moreover, the highest properties were obtained at 20 wt% which includes 15 wt% of CT fiber and 5 wt% of CG fibers. The findings show that at all fiber loadings, the composite manufactured with CT and CG fiber in a weight ratio of 3:1 soaks less water, exhibits less thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity with highest mechanical properties. In order to decrease energy consumption, the manufactured hybrid composites were suited for use in construction materials and automobiles.